Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans on Staten Island
1. Violette's Cellar
A modern American restaurant hiding The Button Room, a reservation-only lounge with low lighting, tufted banquettes, and cocktail theatrics that nod to Prohibition secrecy.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the island’s most convincing speakeasy-style hideaway, perfect for classic and contemporary cocktails in a clandestine setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday to Saturday for the fullest buzz; early weeknights for a quieter seat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a bartender’s-choice riff on a Bee’s Knees or a Brooklyn; reservations for The Button Room are smart.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the hidden-room reveal, polished service, and balanced cocktails that feel special-occasion without being stuffy.
2. Leidy's Shore Inn
One of Staten Island’s oldest watering holes, this North Shore tavern channels a bygone era with a weathered bar, nautical touches, and locals swapping stories.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, it scratches the itch for authenticity—no pretense, just a historic barroom with character and cold drinks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings on weekends for a lively crowd; late afternoon for an old-school, low-key vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a stool at the bar and chat up the regulars; you’ll hear neighborhood lore you won’t find in guidebooks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as a time capsule—friendly, unpolished, and full of Staten Island soul.
3. St. George Theatre
A 1929 movie palace with ornate plasterwork and a gilded lobby, the theater oozes Jazz Age glam and hosts concerts, comedy, and film events.
✓ Why Go:
Pair a show with pre- or post-cocktails nearby to live out a 1920s night on the town without leaving Staten Island.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Show nights, typically weekends; arrive early to explore the lobby and murals.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snag mezzanine seats for sweeping views that highlight the opulent architecture.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons rave about the refurbishment and “wow” factor—many call it Staten Island’s crown jewel.
4. Historic Richmond Town
This living history village preserves centuries of Staten Island life, with tavern-style gatherings and candlelit events that evoke pre-Prohibition social spaces.
✓ Why Go:
It deepens the speakeasy connection by contextualizing how people gathered, drank, and celebrated long before modern cocktail culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal evenings for special programs; daytime strolls for architecture and ambiance year-round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for tavern nights or hearth-lit programs, then plan dinner and drinks nearby to round out the theme.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the quiet charm, knowledgeable staff, and step-back-in-time feeling.
5. Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn
A 19th-century roadhouse with a carved wood bar, tin ceilings, and steins galore—more old-world tavern than speakeasy, but dripping with period atmosphere.
✓ Why Go:
For history buffs who love a hearty pint in surroundings that feel authentically old, with live polka or folk on some nights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings and weekends; late afternoon for a relaxed session at the bar.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the barroom to appreciate the woodwork and order a malty lager to match the setting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the transportive decor, friendly staff, and comfort fare that suits the stein-in-hand mood.
6. Denino's Pizzeria & Tavern
Family-run since 1937, this Port Richmond institution pairs crackly-thin pies with a classic tavern bar—the kind of neighborhood hub that thrived after Repeal.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a living piece of post-Prohibition tavern culture where a pie and a pint still feel exactly right.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings to beat dinner rush; weekends are busiest and buzziest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a simple pie and enjoy it at the bar for peak old-school vibe.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers and locals alike call it a must for the pizza and the no-nonsense, classic atmosphere.
7. Lee's Tavern
A modest corner tavern from 1940 with a long wooden bar and neon glow, famous for thin-crust pies and a locals-first feel.
✓ Why Go:
It captures that dim, convivial barroom energy speakeasy fans love—only with Staten Island swagger.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into early evening on weekdays for easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand at the bar for quick service and atmosphere; keep orders classic to match the room.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans praise the timeless vibe, friendly crew, and consistently great pies.
8. Flagship Brewing Company
A warehouse-style taproom near the ferry with string lights, communal tables, and small-batch beers—modern craft with an eye for local history.
✓ Why Go:
Between batches named for neighborhood lore and a convivial space, it’s a great pregame stop before a speakeasy-style evening.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings Friday and Saturday; weeknights for a laid-back pint.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about small-run or taproom-only pours; grab a seat near the bar to chat beer with the team.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the welcoming staff, rotating taps, and community feel.
9. Bayou
A New Orleans-inspired spot with a dark-wood bar, jazz-friendly ambiance, and a cocktail list that leans Sazerac and old-school.
✓ Why Go:
The moody lighting and classics-forward drinks program hit the sweet spot for fans of pre-war cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dinner hours into late evening; weekends for livelier energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a Sazerac or Vieux Carré to lean into the Crescent City-meets-Prohibition theme.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners love the atmosphere, generous pours, and transportive Southern flavors.
10. St. George Ferry Terminal
A grand transit hall at the water’s edge that frames skyline views and sets a vintage-travel tone for a night of cocktails steps away in St. George.
✓ Why Go:
Use it as your gateway: arrive by boat like it’s the Jazz Age, then stroll to nearby bars and venues.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for harbor light; late evening for night-skyline drama.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pop outside for skyline photos before heading to nearby Bay Street for drinks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers enjoy the iconic ferry arrival and the ease of reaching North Shore nightlife on foot.
